Many children and young people take part in football activities almost every day across the country. Children play for fun, young people may participate for development programmes whilst others may be their chosen career path as athletes, coaches, administrators, referees, etc. Football as sport may be used as a vehicle for diverting youth from anti-social or criminal behaviour.
Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safe from harm when involved in football activities.
Child protection is an import part of safeguarding and it refers to set of activities that are required for specific children who are at risk or are suffering from harm.
Safeguarding ensures that everyone’s rights are respected regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, etc. Children also have the right to participate in football in a safe and enjoyable environment.
It has been noted that for the past years children and young people have been victims of all forms of violence. FIFA through their vision of globalising football made commitment to make sure that they promote sport is safe as an effort to protect human rights. One the cornerstone of the commitments was through the FIFA Guarding Safeguarding Program where it equipped its affiliated Member Associations with knowledge with expectation that they will prevent any form of harm to children and respond appropriately.
The aim of safeguarding is to;
- Help create a safe sporting environment for children and young people whenever they participate in football
- Provide clarity on safeguarding to all involved in football
- Promote good practice and challenge poor practices that are harmful
- Assist football leaders and funders to make informed decisions
